Dismissal proceedings vs cop in Ilocos Norte gun slay starts
NARTATEZ (FB)
Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Wednesday ordered the start of summary dismissal proceedings against a police corporal tagged in the killing of a barangay kagawad (councilor) and his partner in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte.
Nartatez said that the PNP Internal Affairs Service will work with the local police in the conduct of investigation relating to administrative cases against the police officer who was arrested in a follow-up operation after he was tagged in the killing of Joshua Bernardo, 26, a barangay kagawad, and his partner Eloisa Pagaduan Bonilla, 30.
Nartatez assured the public that appropriate criminal and administrative charges will be filed against the suspect assigned to the Tourist Police Unit of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office.
He condoled with the families of the victims and assured them that the PNP will pursue justice to its fullest extent and file criminal and administrative charges against the suspect.
“The law applies equally to everyone, and those who abuse their authority will be held accountable,” he added.
Nartatez added that an ongoing investigation also aims to determine if others were involved in the crime.
Initial investigation showed the victims were eating at the porch of their home around 2:35 p.m. on Oct. 19 when two men on a motorcycle without a license plate opened fire.
Bernardo died on the spot while Bonilla was declared dead on arrival in a hospital. A third victim, Mark John Bernardo, 25, was wounded and remains under treatment.
The assailants immediately fled after the shooting. Later that night, authorities arrested a police officer in connection with the attack.
Nartatez reiterated his commitment to cleansing the organization of erring personnel and upholding public trust.
“We are serious in our internal cleansing efforts. Any member of the police force found guilty of violating the law will face the consequences of their actions,” he said.